Skardu has become dramatically easier for foreign travelers to visit over the past few years, and most of the concerns people have (permits, safety, accessibility) turn out to be smaller in practice than expected.
Visa
Most nationalities can apply for a Pakistan e-Visa online before arrival — no need to visit an embassy in person for most passports. Processing typically takes a few days to two weeks, so apply well ahead of your trip.
Permits
The good news: most of Skardu’s main attractions — Shangrila, the Kachura Lakes, Shigar Fort, Khaplu, Deosai National Park — require no special permit beyond your normal visa. A small number of border-adjacent areas (like Minimarg and Domail near Astore) do require additional documentation and checks, but these are optional add-ons, not part of a standard Skardu itinerary.
Practical tips
- English is spoken throughout the tourism sector, even though Balti and Urdu are the local languages
- Cash is still king outside major hotels — carry Pakistani Rupees
- Dress modestly, especially in villages outside the main tourist areas
- An English-speaking local guide makes a real difference, both for logistics and cultural context
We run dedicated international special tours priced in USD with English-speaking guides and airport meet-and-greet built in, specifically designed around these first-time-visitor questions.